Rosacea and Inflammation
Alcohol use disorder can affect just about every organ in the body.

7 Ways Alcohol Affects Your Skin

Alcohol use disorder can affect just about every organ in the body. That includes your biggest organ — your skin! Oftentimes, skin problems are the first outward sign of alcohol abuse that your doctor or a loved one might notice because these conditions can be very distinctive. 

Read on to learn more about these unique indicators of alcohol use, and see if you or a person you know may be showing signs of alcoholism

1. Rosacea and Inflammation

Rosacea is a condition in which a person’s face becomes red, inflamed, and flushed. Someone with rosacea may have broken blood vessels and bumpy skin on the nose. This can happen for several reasons, one of which is drinking alcohol. Chronic drinking is thought to lead to an alcoholic nose, where the rosacea becomes so prominent that it causes the entire nose to become red, bumpy, and often enlarged.

2. Dehydration

Alcohol is well known for making people dehydrated. There are many reasons why, including the fact that your body is trying to flush out all the toxins from the alcohol as fast as possible. 

Dehydration is one of the biggest reasons skin changes can happen with alcohol use. It can cause the skin to become dry, which can make a person look older than they really are. It can even lead to acne because of the changes dehydration makes to your hormones. 

3. Poor Sleep and Dark Circles 

While alcohol can make you sleepy, it is definitely not a good sleep aid. Poor quality of sleep is associated with alcohol abuse, and many people end up tossing and turning all night, even if the alcohol did make them fall asleep quickly at first. This can lead to dark circles under the eyes and a haggard look to the skin and face. 

4. Jaundice

Jaundice, the yellowing of the eyes and face, is normal for babies, but not for adults. Jaundice can be a sign of chronic alcohol abuse. It’s a severe cause for concern, as it’s often an indicator of life-threatening health conditions such as alcoholic hepatitis. This condition can cause serious complications such as liver and kidney failure.

5. Nutrient Deficiencies 

Drinking alcohol can cause malnutrition, which can have negative consequences throughout all areas of the body, including the skin. Skin that doesn’t have vital nutrients will look sallow, and be less elastic and flexible than it was before. 

6. Itchiness and Hives

Itchy hives from drinking alcohol could be a sign of alcohol intolerance. It could also mean that you are allergic to something in the drink. If you commonly get hives after drinking alcohol, you should consult with a doctor.

7. Alcohol Detox and Skin Health 

Many of these skin problems can also be a sign of detoxing from alcohol, not just an addiction to it. This is especially true for itchiness, as it can also be a sign that a person is malnourished. 

During detox, many skin issues tend to worsen before they get better. But keep in mind that this is actually a sign that your body is on the road to healing. Keep at it, and your skin could be back on track before you know it. 

Getting Help for Your Skin

If you or a loved one are experiencing these or other skin conditions and changes due to alcohol use, consider this a sign to reach out for help. It’s never too late to get treatment for alcohol use disorder. After detox and alcohol treatment, hydration can return, sleep improves, and skin tends to recover and gain back its previous elasticity. 

On top of all of that, having better nutrition will have you or your loved one looking and feeling great in no time.